As you know, a devastating earthquake recently struck the area of Yushu in Tso-ngön [Qinghai Province]. The earthquake took the lives of tens of thousands of humans and animals and left many survivors with serious injuries and intense physical and mental trauma. On top of all of this, Thrangu Monastery saw the destruction of its temple and its precious contents, as well as the deaths of several members of the monastic community. In short, the region and its inhabitants have undergone unbearable loss. Please think of both the survivors and the deceased with love and fondness. I humbly request you to thoroughly pray for them and dedicate your virtues to them with a heart of great compassion.

April 30, 2010: 9:00AM - Dari, Dharamsala
A "Thank You Himachal Pradesh Day" was observed today at Dari, near Dharamshala, to mark the 50th anniversary of residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, in particular; and the Tibetan community, in general, in Himachal Pradesh. The ceremony was led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and in attendance were: His Holiness the Karmapa; Kalon Tripa; two speakers of the Tibetan Exile Government; and many Indian and Tibetan dignitaries. Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, the honourable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, graced this special occasion on behalf of the State Government of Himachal Pradesh. His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked profusely the Government and the people of Himachal Pradesh for their kindness and generosity shown to him and to the Tibetan people all these years.
Following the ceremony, His Holiness the Karmapa commented that India’s kindness to the Tibetan people demonstrates their commitment to Dharma, which is why all D…

April 27, 2010 - Gyuto, Dharamsala
Today, during the first session of puja, Tibetans in Dharamsala and Jonang Monastery from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, offered Long Life prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in order to observe the 50th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's arrival to Dharamsala in 1960 from Mussoorie. The prayer was led, performed, and sponsored by Gyalwa Jonangpa. His Holiness Karmapa, monks, and the community of Dharamsala also participated in the puja.
The second session of puja was led and performed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the presence of His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa, dignitaries of Central Tibetan Administration, staffs, monks, nuns, lay people and many foreign sympathisers. The prayer began at 1 p.m. and lasted for two hours. The puja was a special prayer for Kyigudo Quake victims. Many lamas and members of the public participated in the puja, amounting to an assembly in the thousands.
Following the pujas, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Sh…

April 23, 2010
It has come to the attention of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and Tsurphu Labrang (the Office of Karmapa's Administration) that a signature campaign to a global petition, addressed to the Government of India under the heading "Free His Holiness the Karmapa", is being circulated on the internet.
In this petition some false accusations are made. While it is true that the proposed Karmapa's Dharma tour to Europe in mid-May was not approved, it is not correct that the Karmapa is kept under any confinement or duress in India nor is he under any harassment. Therefore, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and Tsurphu Labrang categorically deny these unfounded accusations.
Ever since His Holiness's arrival in India in 2000, the Karmapa has received every kindness and consideration from the Government and the people of India. He is allowed free movement throughout the country except to a few border areas.
The Karmapa and Tsurphu Labrang are grat…

April 22, 2010 - Gyuto The recent earthquake in Yushu Count., Xianghai Province, has caused a great loss of life, destruction of property, and left many injured and children orphaned.
While expressing their sympathy for those who have lost their lives, and in support for those who have lost their property and dear ones, as well as those injured in this catastrophic earthquake; the Gyuto Monastery in Exile organised a special prayer in the main temple this morning from 9am to 10am. His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa led this special prayer which was also attended by Venerable Denma Locho Rinpoche as well as many venerable abbots and venerable tulkus of their monastery.
At the request of media representatives of Radio Free Asia, Tibetan Voice of America, Phayul.com, Tibetan Voice of Tibet, Tibetan Chitsok Melong, Bod-kyi Bang-chen, Bod-kyi Dus-bab, Tibetan DIIR, and CTA, His Holiness sent his condolences and special message to all those who are affected by this earthquake.
Reported …

April 20, 2010
The Karmapa’s Office of Administration (Tsurphu Labrang) would like to express its sincerest regrets and sadness that the Dharma tour program of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa to Europe could not take place for reasons which have not yet been disclosed. We understand that this has created a lot of disappointment and frustration. However, we would like to request the many followers and devotees of His Holiness to take heart and not cast aspersion on any organization or government body for the cancellation of the tour.
We wish to thank the Government of India for all the assistance, hospitality and kindness that His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa has received after his arrival to India in the year 2000. We also thank Ven. Ringu Tulku and the organizers of the Europe Dharma Tour who have put in a lot of time and effort for many months in spite of their busy schedule and other commitments.
His Holiness' announcement has said, “I hope that this is merely a temporary …

April 19, 2010
Today at 5.30 AM, 19th April, 2010, H.H. The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa added few more staff members to the Office of His Administration. The appointment was done traditionally by performing special prayers in the presence of His Holiness himself and by giving blessings individually in the form of offering scarfs and protection strings to each recipiant after completing the oath taking ceremony. His Holiness appointed the new members with the following assignments:
1. Garwang: Coordinator (Support Letter & Reincarnation Matters)
2. Karma Tsultrim Tharchin: Asst. Coordinator (Support Letter & Reincarnation Matters)
3. Woser Rabten: Coordinator (Monastery and Dharma Center Matters)
4. Longtok Tenzin: Assistant to Eng. Secretary, and Information & Communications Director
5. Sonam Paljor: Chanting Master, Rumtek; Dharma Chakra Center, Sikkim
The appointment ceremony was witnessed by other office bearers, senior lamas, and His Holiness's sister, Ngodup Palzom.
Sp…

An Appeal from the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa on Behalf of Victims of the Xinghai Earthquake
The large earthquake in Yushu County, Xinghai Province, has caused great loss of life and injured many people. To date the death toll has risen above 1000 and the number of those severely injured has also risen above 1000. In total, more than 10,000 people have been injured.
When I heard this tragic news, I was very saddened at the loss, and began immediately to offer prayers for those who have been affected by this incident, both those who have lost their lives and the survivors. May those who have died be freed from the bardo state of terror and suffering of such an unexpected death, and be reborn in the pure lands or a higher realm. May the survivors who have undergone the suffering of loss of relatives and friends and the trauma of losing their homes be comforted and find relief. May they receive the emergency help they need as soon as possible, and be able to rebuild their live…

I was extremely saddened to hear of the catastrophic loss of human life and the severe destruction caused by the recent earthquake in the region of Yushu in Tso-ngön [Qinghai Province]. I am now leading a group of Kagyü monasteries in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other areas in prayers and virtuous activities dedicated to the deceased, so that their fears of the transitions between life and death may be eased. Through traditional offerings of respect, I have also formally requested the prayers of great masters from the various Tibetan spiritual lineages.
I am holding the survivors of this tragedy in my thoughts as well, and I hope that aid quickly reaches them. By bearing witness to the harshness of cyclic existence and allowing this to broaden our hearts and minds, may we all be able to extend our effort in meaningful ways, for the sake of both the living and the dead. I offer my deeply heartfelt aspiration that all affected by this calamity will see the swift easing of …

April 8, 2010
The Kagyu Office regrets to inform everyone that the proposed visit of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa to Europe in May/June 2010 has had to be cancelled, due to circumstances beyond our control. We hope that this will be a temporary setback and that His Holiness will be able to visit Europe in the not-too-distant future.
Lama Phuntsok
Director of Information and Communication
Tsurphu Labrang, Dharamsala H.P. India http://www.kagyuoffice.org/PastActivities-10-AprJun.html

I know that the
Co-ordinator of Karmapa in Europe 2010, has already notified everyone that my
proposed visit has had to be cancelled for reasons beyond my control. I was
very much looking forward to meeting with my European students, visiting your
dharma centres, giving teachings, and having the opportunity to gain first-hand
experience and insight into the great variety of European life and culture. I was
wholeheartedly preparing for this visit so you will understand that I too was
sad and disappointed when I learned that I would not be able to come this time.
However, I hope that this is merely a temporary setback and that I will
definitely be able to visit Europe in the near future. It remains for
me to express my gratitude to Ringu Tulku and all of you in the different
countries and dharma centres who have worked so hard to prepare for the visit.
Please be assured that your work has not been in vain or wasted. By these
efforts, you have planted a powerful seed and when it reaches fr…